Alzheimer's Disease

Aricept and Psychotic Episodes

09/17/2004

Question:

My 91 year old father-in-law has always been active (drives, golfs, plays bridge) and is a gentle person. He started on Aricept 3-4 weeks ago. With in the past week he did a couple things out of character, then had a full-blown psychotic episode - he fought with demons in the house and eventually had to be restrained and sedated. Currently he is hospitalized. Physically he checks out fine. This is very sudden. Have you heard of this type of reaction to Aricept?

Answer:

Thank you for your question. Peter Whitehouse MD, PhD, from the University Memory and Aging Center responded, "Aricept has been known to cause some anxiety and agitation in some people, but this severe form of full-blown psychotic episode would in my experience be unusual due to the drug. Other explanations should be sought."

Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More)